Human Resources Specialist.

Smithsonian Institution; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution in Cambridge, MA seeks an experienced Human Resources Specialist to manage recruitment and placement for federal and trust fund positions through diverse outlets, advising managers on compliant actions and selecting factors.

The role handles position management, classification, performance-related guidance, and international recruitment including visas, working with the Office of International Affairs, and delivering analyses and reports to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of recruitment and placement principles and regulations.
• Experience advising managers on regulatory compliance and policy.
• Ability to determine selective factors and evaluate candidates.
• Experience in classification and position management activities.
• Experience coordinating international recruitment and visa petitions.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and place federal and trust fund employees through multiple outlets.
• Provide guidance on laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to managers.
• Develop position descriptions and advise on title, series, and grade for actions.
• Advise on performance management, disciplinary actions, and employee relations.
• Coordinate visas and liaise with international affairs and agencies.
• Prepare reports and conduct analyses for HR program areas.

Skills

Recruitment & placement

HR policy guidance

Position management

Performance & discipline

Visa & international affairs liaison

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

HRIS

Job description

Duties

• Applying an expert knowledge of recruitment and placement principles and concepts, recruits and places Federal and Trust Fund employees in all grade levels up to, and including, grade 15, and provides guidance and assistance to managers/supervisors on recruitment and placement programs. Provides authoritative interpretation and instructions on laws, regulations, policies and procedures, and advises management on appropriate courses of action. In conjunction with the hiring supervisor, the incumbent determines selective factors for positions and rates candidates. Responsible for a variety of recruiting efforts through a number of outlets, to increase recruitment sources for special programs, and seek out the most effective media outlets. Participates in pre- and post-RIF planning and actions for Trust and Federal employees. Counsels employees who have been affected by staff reductions, including outlining benefits, monitoring severance payments, assisting in resume preparation, and outplacement referrals.
• Provides expert position management and classification support to assigned organizations. Develops and evaluates position descriptions for all position actions, including a significant amount of highly complex positions. Applies classification standards and supplemental guidance to determine title, series and grade. Assists management with planning and implementing reorganizations. Provides advice on organization/position structures, possible classification changes, position or employee impact and related actions to assure policy and regulatory compliance. Completes classification and position management surveys as needed, to implement reorganizations, apply new standards or complete other position or organization changes.
• Provides expert advice and assistance to managers/supervisors on handling performance problems, adverse actions, referrals to Employee Assistance Programs, promotions, merit increases, quality and within-grade increases, cash awards, full utilization of present personnel, writing performance appraisal plans, etc. Provides advice and assistance when difficult problems arise in establishing and maintaining management-employee relationships that contribute to satisfactory productivity, motivation, morale, and discipline. Responds to difficult situations in correcting work deficiencies, poor performance, and leave abuse. Informs managers/supervisors of regulatory and other requirements in effecting dispute resolutions, disciplinary actions, removals, suspensions, and grievances and assists in the development of required correspondence/documents. Provides advice regarding the administration of formal rating plans, as well as assistance in resolving complaints concerning performance ratings. Takes part in meetings between managers/supervisors and subordinates to assist in the resolution of problems.
• Keeps abreast of new developments and regulatory guidance from SI, OPM, and other sources in all areas of Human Resources management. Provides expert advice on policy, directives, and guidelines on a full range of matters relevant to assigned functions.
• Petitions for visas (both immigrant and non-immigrant) for aliens whom SAO wishes to hire on either a temporary or permanent basis. This includes H-l, J-1, O-1, TN-1, and permanent resident petitions, as well as all derivatives. Must maintain an excellent working relationship with SI's Office of International Affairs, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, Department of Labor, Department of State, and the United States Information Agency (USIA). Responsible for annual renewal of visas for foreign national employees/visitors already on board.
• Serves as a personnel expert on various Management, EEO, HRIS, or other special committees as required. Prepares a variety of reports as requested by the Director of Human Resources, members of top SI/SAO management, other SAO managers or supervisors, or on own initiative. As required, conducts various studies and evaluation activities of program areas. Prepares and presents results, and recommends corrective actions based on findings. Follows up, to assure completion of required actions.

• Applying an expert knowledge of recruitment and placement principles and concepts, recruits and places Federal and Trust Fund employees in all grade levels up to, and including, grade 15, and provides guidance and assistance to managers/supervisors on recruitment and placement programs. Provides authoritative interpretation and instructions on laws, regulations, policies and procedures, and advises management on appropriate courses of action. In conjunction with the hiring supervisor, the incumbent determines selective factors for positions and rates candidates. Responsible for a variety of recruiting efforts through a number of outlets, to increase recruitment sources for special programs, and seek out the most effective media outlets. Participates in pre- and post-RIF planning and actions for Trust and Federal employees. Counsels employees who have been affected by staff reductions, including outlining benefits, monitoring severance payments, assisting in resume preparation, and outplacement referrals.
• Provides expert position management and classification support to assigned organizations. Develops and evaluates position descriptions for all position actions, including a significant amount of highly complex positions. Applies classification standards and supplemental guidance to determine title, series and grade. Assists management with planning and implementing reorganizations. Provides advice on organization/position structures, possible classification changes, position or employee impact and related actions to assure policy and regulatory compliance. Completes classification and position management surveys as needed, to implement reorganizations, apply new standards or complete other position or organization changes.
• Provides expert advice and assistance to managers/supervisors on handling performance problems, adverse actions, referrals to Employee Assistance Programs, promotions, merit increases, quality and within-grade increases, cash awards, full utilization of present personnel, writing performance appraisal plans, etc. Provides advice and assistance when difficult problems arise in establishing and maintaining management-employee relationships that contribute to satisfactory productivity, motivation, morale, and discipline. Responds to difficult situations in correcting work deficiencies, poor performance, and leave abuse. Informs managers/supervisors of regulatory and other requirements in effecting dispute resolutions, disciplinary actions, removals, suspensions, and grievances and assists in the development of required correspondence/documents. Provides advice regarding the administration of formal rating plans, as well as assistance in resolving complaints concerning performance ratings. Takes part in meetings between managers/supervisors and subordinates to assist in the resolution of problems.
• Keeps abreast of new developments and regulatory guidance from SI, OPM, and other sources in all areas of Human Resources management. Provides expert advice on policy, directives, and guidelines on a full range of matters relevant to assigned functions.
• Petitions for visas (both immigrant and non-immigrant) for aliens whom SAO wishes to hire on either a temporary or permanent basis. This includes H-l, J-1, O-1, TN-1, and permanent resident petitions, as well as all derivatives. Must maintain an excellent working relationship with SI's Office of International Affairs, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, Department of Labor, Department of State, and the United States Information Agency (USIA). Responsible for annual renewal of visas for foreign national employees/visitors already on board.
• Serves as a personnel expert on various Management, EEO, HRIS, or other special committees as required. Prepares a variety of reports as requested by the Director of Human Resources, members of top SI/SAO management, other SAO managers or supervisors, or on own initiative. As required, conducts various studies and evaluation activities of program areas. Prepares and presents results, and recommends corrective actions based on findings. Follows up, to assure completion of required actions.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Pre and Post appointment background check
• Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer required for salary payment
• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Must obtain Delegated Examining Unit (DEU) certification within 6 months.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at https://archive.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs0200/0201.htm

Qualifications

Applicants must possess a minimum of one 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 11 level in the normal line of progress for this occupation. Specialized experience includes activities such as researching and providing expert human resources advisory services to supervisors and managers on staffing, classification, employee relations, performance, HR automated systems, and international programs.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.

Education There is no substitution for education at this grade level.

Additional information

Recruitment Incentive:

Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.

Note:

This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA):

If you are applying for a VEOA appointment, you must be a veteran and must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed 3 or more years of active service. ("Active Service" under this law means active duty in a uniformed service and includes full-time training duty, annual training duty, full-time National Guard duty, and attendance, while in the active service, at a school designated as a service school by law or by the Secretary concerned.) A veteran who is released under honorable conditions shortly before completing a 3-year tour is also eligible.

Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities:

• The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact the Human Resources Specialist listed. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options.

Please See Benefits At Www.cfa.harvard.edu/hr/benefits/fed/table.html For a Complete Description.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.